Guest guest Posted July 4, 2006 Report Share Posted July 4, 2006 Anyone else have opinions on this topic? So far I've only heard from 3 people on how much experience is good. I know that some might do really great with only a few fittings a month, but of course the more experience the better right? For those who had problems with fittings, do you think it was because of the orthotists experience, or lack of, or problems with the helmets/bands themselves? I just want to know what to look for when " interviewing " the orthotist and looking into which helmet/band to go with. We're coming down to having to make a decision and it's such a big one to make. Of course I want a great experience the 1st go round and the best for my daughter. Holly Avery-4 months > > > > Hello, > > > > We are having a consultation appt. with a local orthotist on July > > 10th. In a phone interview, we were told the orthotist does > approx. 52 > > fittings a year (they use Starband). I was wondering if this > sounds > > like an appropriate number for the orthotist to have enough > experience, > > to know what she is doing? I know I've read to make sure they are > > experienced, but I don't know how much they should have. > > > > Also, can I get some advice on questions to ask while we are > there? I > > want to grill the heck out of them to make sure we want to give > them > > the opportunity to treat our daughter, or to look elsewhere for > > treatment. They are a local place in a city of approx. 100,000 or > just > > less than that. > > > > Thank you for your help! > > Holly-MO > > Avery-4 months > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2006 Report Share Posted July 4, 2006 Hi Holly, When we started treatment I was pretty ignorant of all the issues and didn't interview our ortho. I just went where we were referred (for a STARband). It is actually one of the orthos who told us about this group. We're in the San Francisco Bay area (very high population area) and there are two orthos in the office we visit in Palo Alto. This company (CIRS) also has a second office in Oakland (30 minutes away). One time our ortho mentioned that he and the other ortho in our office see something like 140 patients a month for banding. Also he's been doing bands for 20 year or more, and this office has one of the first STARscanners. I should have learned all this from interviewing them, but instead I picked it up in passing after we were already working with them. Lucky for me they have experience :-) -christine mom to Sydney/ 6 mo/ brachy/ STARband 5-31-06 > > > > > > Hello, > > > > > > We are having a consultation appt. with a local orthotist on July > > > 10th. In a phone interview, we were told the orthotist does > > approx. 52 > > > fittings a year (they use Starband). I was wondering if this > > sounds > > > like an appropriate number for the orthotist to have enough > > experience, > > > to know what she is doing? I know I've read to make sure they > are > > > experienced, but I don't know how much they should have. > > > > > > Also, can I get some advice on questions to ask while we are > > there? I > > > want to grill the heck out of them to make sure we want to give > > them > > > the opportunity to treat our daughter, or to look elsewhere for > > > treatment. They are a local place in a city of approx. 100,000 > or > > just > > > less than that. > > > > > > Thank you for your help! > > > Holly-MO > > > Avery-4 months > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2006 Report Share Posted July 4, 2006 The orthotist who works with my son worked with about 90 babies last year but said he is working with fewer this year. I would say more than 50 fittings is still pretty good. If the orthotist only had 10 or 15, I might look elsewhere. Amy (SC) Liam - STARband since 4/26/06 On 7/4/06, Holly <tombombadil1@...> wrote: Anyone else have opinions on this topic? So far I've only heard from 3 people on how much experience is good. I know that some might do really great with only a few fittings a month, but of course the more experience the better right?For those who had problems with fittings, do you think it was because of the orthotists experience, or lack of, or problems with the helmets/bands themselves? I just want to know what to look for when " interviewing " the orthotist and looking into which helmet/band to go with. We're coming down to having to make a decision and it's such a big one to make. Of course I want a great experience the 1st go round and the best for my daughter.HollyAvery-4 months> >> > Hello,> > > > We are having a consultation appt. with a local orthotist on July > > 10th. In a phone interview, we were told the orthotist does > approx. 52 > > fittings a year (they use Starband). I was wondering if this > sounds > > like an appropriate number for the orthotist to have enough > experience, > > to know what she is doing? I know I've read to make sure they are > > experienced, but I don't know how much they should have.> > > > Also, can I get some advice on questions to ask while we are > there? I > > want to grill the heck out of them to make sure we want to give > them > > the opportunity to treat our daughter, or to look elsewhere for > > treatment. They are a local place in a city of approx. 100,000 or > just > > less than that. > > > > Thank you for your help!> > Holly-MO> > Avery-4 months> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2006 Report Share Posted July 5, 2006 Hello. I think that it sounds like the Orthotist you are considering sounds like he is pretty experienced. That sounds like a very good amount of bands per year that he does. Does he have any parent references that you could call and talk about their experience? and/or before and after pics? Whoever you go with, there is a file in here that talks about getting a good fit with the band. Once you do get the band you'll want to check it out carefully, check for red spots, etc. We had a very experienced Orthotist and never had any problems. Really... the best you can do is go with someone who does the fittings and adjustments often/regularly, is knowledgeable and also that you feel comfortable with them. Good luck and keep us updated Jen (23 mo), tort resolved, Hanger Band Grad (4.5 years) > > > > > > Hello, > > > > > > We are having a consultation appt. with a local orthotist on July > > > 10th. In a phone interview, we were told the orthotist does > > approx. 52 > > > fittings a year (they use Starband). I was wondering if this > > sounds > > > like an appropriate number for the orthotist to have enough > > experience, > > > to know what she is doing? I know I've read to make sure they > are > > > experienced, but I don't know how much they should have. > > > > > > Also, can I get some advice on questions to ask while we are > > there? I > > > want to grill the heck out of them to make sure we want to give > > them > > > the opportunity to treat our daughter, or to look elsewhere for > > > treatment. They are a local place in a city of approx. 100,000 > or > > just > > > less than that. > > > > > > Thank you for your help! > > > Holly-MO > > > Avery-4 months > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Hi Dean - We are also around Sacramento and being treated at CIRS Oakland. We were scanned originally at 4 months and decided to repo for 1.5 more months and just got scanned again and ordered the band because his plagio got worse in that timeframe, so we were worried it would continue on that way (still in the mild range at 6mm up from 4mm, brachy numbers are moderate - 86-88 now down from 89-92). Anyway, we saw Bobby today because Trish was out on an emergency but saw Trish before. I have heard OK things about her as there are several moms on this forum who have gone to her and can reply to you directly about their results. I just met with one mom in person who saw Trish and her baby looks great. As everyone here will probably say, the key is to make sure you have a good fit in the band and if doubts voice concerns. The ortho can make or break it for sure, but overall if you are on top of things, I think Trish can do a good job for you. We are getting our band on Jan 12th, so we should be right in the same boat with you along the way. I would love to email with you and your wife directly having that in common, if you want. My email is vanessawhitmore@... - if you have a chance drop me a line! Where around here are you btw? , mom to n 5.5 months, repoed since 2 months, Starbanding 1-12-07 > > I am new to the group and received the diagnosis that my daughter is > at the threshold for Plagio (10mm). My wife and I had predetermined > that we would move forward with treatment even before seeing the > Doctor if indeed she needed it. We live just outside of Sacramento > and had to go to Santa Clara to see the specialist from Kaiser. > Luckily we were able to go to the Orthotist (Trish at CIRS) in > Oakland the same day as our Doctor's appointment so we had Ainsley > scanned for a STARband that afternoon. We are still very > comfortable with our decision to band but now that I have had more > time to research it sounds like the expertise of the Orthotist is > the key to success. > > Has anyone out there had their child treated by Trish/CIRS in > Oakland? I am not looking to slander neither Trish nor CIRS here, > more or less a " thumbs up " or " thumbs down " . However, if you would > like to provide more detailed information please feel free to e- mail > me directly. > > Thank you in advance for your reply and Happy New Year! > > Dean > Father of Ainsley, 6.5 months, STARband to start 1/9/07 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Hi , I was pleasantly surprised at how well the appointment went. Dr. Mernard is very easy going and puts things in terms the rest of us can understand. Your appointment will start by sitting in on a " class " where Dr. Mernard explains the Plagio and treatment to everyone at one time. He then sees each patient individually to assess their measurements. You will only see him for about five minuets during that meeting so try and get your questions asked during the class. I was skeptical at first in the way that Kaiser set up a class then the appointment immediately following but it is actually a very streamlined way of running it. My biggest recommendation is to get there and register earlier. After the class, you are seen by the Doctor in the order you checked in. And although he only sees you briefly, if you are last to check in, there could be as many as 12 patients ahead of you. We have only been to Dr. Mernard the one time so far but it he was very comforting. Dean Dad to Ainsley, 6.5 months old > > > > I am new to the group and received the diagnosis that my daughter > is > > at the threshold for Plagio (10mm). My wife and I had > predetermined > > that we would move forward with treatment even before seeing the > > Doctor if indeed she needed it. We live just outside of Sacramento > > and had to go to Santa Clara to see the specialist from Kaiser. > > Luckily we were able to go to the Orthotist (Trish at CIRS) in > > Oakland the same day as our Doctor's appointment so we had Ainsley > > scanned for a STARband that afternoon. We are still very > > comfortable with our decision to band but now that I have had more > > time to research it sounds like the expertise of the Orthotist is > > the key to success. > > > > Has anyone out there had their child treated by Trish/CIRS in > > Oakland? I am not looking to slander neither Trish nor CIRS here, > > more or less a " thumbs up " or " thumbs down " . However, if you would > > like to provide more detailed information please feel free to e- > mail > > me directly. > > > > Thank you in advance for your reply and Happy New Year! > > > > Dean > > Father of Ainsley, 6.5 months, STARband to start 1/9/07 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Thank you so much for the response Molly. This has all been a bit overwhelming to say the least. I know we have made the right decision and it sounds like we have the right Orthotist for the job. Wish us luck and a well rounded head, Dean, Dad to Ainsley, 6.5 months, STARband to start 1/9/07 > > My son got his STARband from CIRS/Trish and we got great results and had a > good experience there. Nicolas went from 12.2 mm of asymmetry down to 4.6 > mm and looks great. Trish was always quick to respond to my phone calls or > e-mails. When our band started fitting poorly after 8 weeks Trish took the > initiative to order us a new band (at no charge to us!) rather than try to > fix something that couldn't be fixed. Good luck with your new band! > > Molly > Novato, California > Nicolas, 14.5 months, tort & plagio, STARband 4/25/06-9/12/06, Graduate! > , 3.75 > , 7 > > Orthotist Experience > > > I am new to the group and received the diagnosis that my daughter is > at the threshold for Plagio (10mm). My wife and I had predetermined > that we would move forward with treatment even before seeing the > Doctor if indeed she needed it. We live just outside of Sacramento > and had to go to Santa Clara to see the specialist from Kaiser. > Luckily we were able to go to the Orthotist (Trish at CIRS) in > Oakland the same day as our Doctor's appointment so we had Ainsley > scanned for a STARband that afternoon. We are still very > comfortable with our decision to band but now that I have had more > time to research it sounds like the expertise of the Orthotist is > the key to success. > > Has anyone out there had their child treated by Trish/CIRS in > Oakland? I am not looking to slander neither Trish nor CIRS here, > more or less a " thumbs up " or " thumbs down " . However, if you would > like to provide more detailed information please feel free to e- mail > me directly. > > Thank you in advance for your reply and Happy New Year! > > Dean > Father of Ainsley, 6.5 months, STARband to start 1/9/07 > > > > > For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Before you go to your appointment you might want to confirm that you are attending a class. When we went to see Dr. Menard it ended up being just a one-on-one appointment with him, no class. While I was disappointed not to get the class information it was nice having more than 5 minutes of his time during our appointment. Where in the Bay Area are you located? Molly Novato, California Nicolas, 14.5 months, tort & plagio, STARband 4/25/06-9/12/06, Graduate! , 3.75 , 7 Re: Orthotist Experience Hi , I was pleasantly surprised at how well the appointment went. Dr. Mernard is very easy going and puts things in terms the rest of us can understand. Your appointment will start by sitting in on a " class " where Dr. Mernard explains the Plagio and treatment to everyone at one time. He then sees each patient individually to assess their measurements. You will only see him for about five minuets during that meeting so try and get your questions asked during the class. I was skeptical at first in the way that Kaiser set up a class then the appointment immediately following but it is actually a very streamlined way of running it. My biggest recommendation is to get there and register earlier. After the class, you are seen by the Doctor in the order you checked in. And although he only sees you briefly, if you are last to check in, there could be as many as 12 patients ahead of you. We have only been to Dr. Mernard the one time so far but it he was very comforting. Dean Dad to Ainsley, 6.5 months old > > > > I am new to the group and received the diagnosis that my daughter > is > > at the threshold for Plagio (10mm). My wife and I had > predetermined > > that we would move forward with treatment even before seeing the > > Doctor if indeed she needed it. We live just outside of Sacramento > > and had to go to Santa Clara to see the specialist from Kaiser. > > Luckily we were able to go to the Orthotist (Trish at CIRS) in > > Oakland the same day as our Doctor's appointment so we had Ainsley > > scanned for a STARband that afternoon. We are still very > > comfortable with our decision to band but now that I have had more > > time to research it sounds like the expertise of the Orthotist is > > the key to success. > > > > Has anyone out there had their child treated by Trish/CIRS in > > Oakland? I am not looking to slander neither Trish nor CIRS here, > > more or less a " thumbs up " or " thumbs down " . However, if you would > > like to provide more detailed information please feel free to e- > mail > > me directly. > > > > Thank you in advance for your reply and Happy New Year! > > > > Dean > > Father of Ainsley, 6.5 months, STARband to start 1/9/07 > > > For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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